Favourite shops

November 27, 2012

Last Friday I dropped in on Joanne at Tranquility Crafts n Supplies, Moonee Ponds. Joanne has been stocking my patterns for a number of years now and runs classes with them. This was the first chance I had to visit. The shop is packed full of temptation and inspiration. I always make a beeline for, yes you've guessed it, the red fabrics.

September 15, 2012

Teaching is a joy when you have a lovely group of girls, happy to chat, stitch and try new techniques.

Most decided to make a start on the Christmas bunting and try the felt applique in the afternoon. It was a lovely relaxed and informal gathering and thanks must go to Mandy and Cheryl from Stawell Craft Shop for organising the day.

September 03, 2012

Back in January, Mandy booked me in for Christmas workshop and trunk show. At the time, September was months away, there was plenty of time to get ready. I'm sure I'm not the only one who is constantly surprised at how quickly this year is slipping by. The trunk show and Christmas workshop are on next week.

The trunk show is Tuesday evening. Not sure what a trunk show is? I arrive with a case full of my samples and you get to look, touch and ask questions. Always good fun.

The Christmas workshop is on Wednesday. The two projects are the new Christmas bunting - Must be Christmas and a Christmas bag & felt decorations - Joyful.

August 20, 2012

Do you have a list of shops you must visit? l'uccello has been on mine for sometime but whenever I've been in Melbourne the timings been wrong and I've gone home promising myself next time! I had all Friday afternoon to myself to locate the store (not difficult at all) and take my time wandering around the shop.

I wasn't sure what to look at first. The ribbons, buttons, fabrics, wool, felts and displays all demanded my immediate attention.

I love the simplicity of these boxes and the promise of what's inside.

All these gorgeous things to look at.

And so nice to see my Pear Tree in pink.

I didn't come away empty handed. I bought some very yummy things that I'll share with you next time.

December 04, 2011

I feel very fortunate to have my pick of lovely patchwork shops within easy driving distance so what could be better than that? A shop totally devoted to Christmas, that's what!

I knew Michelle had opened The Christmas Beetle but it took me a little while to venture inside - sometimes it's best to avoid temptation. There were gorgeous decorations everywhere but I was focussed on looking for a new tree. Not to big and not too small.

This one was perfect - the size and arrangement of branches was just what I was after, the base was sturdy making it ideal for displays (you don't want your tree toppling over on a customer) but not that attractive.

So what to do. Something to cover it up. With thoughts and ideas for a new tree skirt buzzing around in my head I remembered the one I started last year and tossed aside when it didn't work first time.

I thought I would give it a second chance, easier and quicker to see if it was fixable than design and make a new one from scratch. With so many segments there is no room for error, 100% accuracy was essential and I was just a fraction out. A fraction out on a segment here and there meant the skirt didn't sit flat. Feeling disappointed it was set aside. Every so often I would come across it in the work basket and there it sat, unloved until today. With little care, I sewed a few seams a fraction wider and it looked a bit better. Deciding it would be 'good enough' I ironed a piece of pellon to the back which eased more fullness out of it. Then I cut out a back, made continuous binding and finished it!

I'm so glad I gave it a second chance. It took me ages to choose the fabrics, they're all favourites and it would have been such a waste of materials, time and effort to have 'binned' it.

October 25, 2011

Firstly, a big thank you to the Anam Cara girls, Rhonda, Debbie and Julie for organising such a fabulous day. The theme was 'Love is in the Air' and there are no surprises for guessing which song greeted everyone as they arrived. Yes it was Love Is In The Air by John Paul Young, one of my all time favourite songs from the 70's and later from the Baz Luhrmann film 'Strictly Ballroom'.

Many of the girls arrived early and were queued at the doors waiting for them to open at 10.00.

Gail, Barb and I had been busy since 8.00 arranging our displays making them as eye-catching as possible. There was just enough time to take a few hurried pictures, and hurried they were as only a couple are usable.

My things.

Barb's things.

The colour theme for the Sewjourn was Red & White. Another favourite! The challenge when designing projects for a workshop is to make sure they can be started and finished, or close to, without a sewing machine.

I couldn't resist designing a new cushion (one of the many red and white cushions I plan to decorate the couch with one day) and a notepad cover, jewellery bag and scented heart - nice to make for yourself and perfect for gifts.

The goodies bag contained a kit for the scented heart.

I was delighted to see Ros finished hers. I wasn't sure if this would be possible with all the added distractions of shopping, yummy foods, chatter and laughter.

The best thing about these workshops is everyone attending shares the same love for sewing and creating.

September 15, 2011

There was some exciting news delivered to my letter box last Friday. Carolyn of Veronica Violet Stitcheries was opening a new store in Rutherglen. Yesterday was the grand opening.

Carolyn with one of her gorgeous quilts.

There were lots of tempting fabrics and bits and pieces to choose from.

I can only guess at how hard Carolyn worked, including painting the walls, to have the shop ready for the opening but it was worth it. There is a lovely feel to the shop due solely to Carolyn's enthusiasm and creativeness.

It was lovely catching up with Carolyn again and I know the Friday Girls will have another day out some time soon.

March 25, 2011

About 10 years ago I discovered a whole new genre of fabrics. Until then I'd only thought of fabrics in terms of dress and furnishing fabrics. Then one day I walked into Patchwork on Stonleigh and my passion for making things was re-ignited. There were so many beautiful fabrics to chose from and cordinate together. Pure bliss!

It makes me wonder what I would be doing today if I hadn't walked into this shop.

Today the shop closes its door for the last time.

Thank you Susan and Christine for stocking those beautiful fabrics and Jan for helping me choose which ones to buy!